Panasonic ZS60vs Panasonic ZS50

In this review, we will be comparing ZS60 and ZS50, two Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by Panasonic. Panasonic ZS60 was introduced to market in January 2016 and Panasonic ZS50 was launched in January 2015. There is 12 months difference between ZS60 and ZS50 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger ZS60, especially in sensor tech.

Both cameras have 1/2.3" sensors but Panasonic ZS60 has a 18.0 MP and Panasonic ZS50 has a 12.0 MP resolution.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Panasonic ZS60 and Panasonic ZS50 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Panasonic ZS60 and Panasonic ZS50 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, We are going to illustrate Panasonic ZS60 and Panasonic ZS50 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic ZS60 and Panasonic ZS50. Panasonic ZS50 is 1mm narrower and 4mm thinner than Panasonic ZS60 but it is also 1mm taller.

Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic ZS60 and Panasonic ZS50.

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Panasonic ZS60 and Panasonic ZS50.

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic ZS50 is significantly lighter (39g ) than the Panasonic ZS60 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZS60

ZS50

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZS60

ZS50

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 (Lumix DMC-TZ80) nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 (Lumix DMC-TZ70) provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Panasonic ZS60 and Panasonic ZS50's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don\'t tilt or flip in directions.

Panasonic ZS60's sensor provides 6MP more than Panasonic ZS50's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely.
On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.

Below you can see the ZS60 and ZS50 sensor size comparison.

Panasonic ZS60 and Panasonic ZS50 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Panasonic ZS50 has 49% larger pixel area (2.34µm2 vs 1.56µm2) compared to Panasonic ZS60, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

DxOMark Sensor Scores

DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. It scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Panasonic ZS60 and Panasonic ZS50 sensors have been tested by DxO and the results show that ZS50 has a better overall score of 44, 7 points higher compared to ZS60's score of 37.

Panasonic ZS60 vs Panasonic ZS50 Lens Specs Comparison

Panasonic ZS60 and Panasonic ZS50 features 24-720 mm F3.3-6.4 30x zoom lenses so they have the same focal range and light collecting ability.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 24mm and have the same max aperture of f3.30 at this focal length.
Both cameras have a tele angle reach of 720mm and have the same max aperture of f6.40 at this focal length.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

ZS60

ZS50

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

ZS60

ZS50

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

ZS60

ZS50

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

ZS60

ZS50

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Panasonic ZS60 and Panasonic ZS50 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Panasonic ZS60 and Panasonic ZS50 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Panasonic ZS60 and Panasonic ZS50, below you can find their scores in five different aspects.
Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Panasonic ZS60 and Panasonic ZS50 scores compare:

Panasonic ZS60

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #6 out of 474 in Compact camerasRanked #234 out of 1185 in all Cameras

Panasonic ZS50

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #17 out of 474 in Compact camerasRanked #292 out of 1185 in all Cameras

Panasonic ZS60 has a higher Overall Score than the Panasonic ZS50 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.